Taking the Fast Track Across the U.S.-Mexico Border: Trusted Traveler Programs

If you have ever crossed the U.S.-Mexico border by land, you know the wait times can be agonizing. I have sat in the regular traffic lane for a butt-numbing five hours, and I have also driven right through with just a quick passport check by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. While midweek, midday crossings may mean shorter lines, there is never much rhyme or reason to the delays. You can’t even rely on the official CBP Border Wait Times (BWT) app, which frequently displays wildly inaccurate wait times or claims a crossing is closed when it is actually open.

Long waits are not limited to the U.S.-Mexico border. Travelers can face similar delays when arriving at U.S. airports from abroad or driving across the Canadian border. CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs can help frequent travelers spend less time waiting at U.S. ports of entry.

TTP Membership

Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS memberships are valid for five years. As of October 1, 2024, each program has a $120 nonrefundable application fee, even if the applicant is not approved.

Applications must be submitted online through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Trusted Traveler Programs website. First-time users must create a Login.gov account for secure access before returning to the TTP website to complete the application. Applicants must undergo a background check and complete an in-person interview before receiving final approval. CBP checks criminal, law-enforcement, customs, and immigration records, so answer all application questions completely and honestly.

Applicants under age 18 do not pay the application fee if a parent or legal guardian is already a Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS member, or is applying at the same time. The parent’s or guardian’s application ID or membership number must be included with the minor’s application.

Check your credit card benefits before applying. Some cards reimburse Trusted Traveler Program application fees, but the amount and timing depend on the card.

TSA PreCheck®

For Faster Airport Security Screening

TSA PreCheck® provides expedited security screening at participating U.S. airports for domestic and international flights departing from the United States. Unlike Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS, it does not speed up customs or immigration when entering the U.S. Enrollment costs $85 or less for five years, depending on the enrollment provider.

At participating checkpoints, members can usually use a shorter screening line and keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on. Laptops and 3-1-1 liquids can also remain in carry-on bags.

Global Entry

For International Air Travel and U.S.-Bound Land Crossings

Global Entry is best suited for travelers who regularly return to the U.S. after international trips. U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, U.S. lawful permanent residents, Mexican nationals, and citizens of participating countries may apply. Canadian citizens and permanent residents receive Global Entry benefits through NEXUS (see below) rather than applying directly for Global Entry.

Global Entry provides expedited CBP processing when entering the U.S. after international travel. Membership also includes TSA PreCheck® benefits.

Global Entry cardholders can use SENTRI pedestrian lanes when entering the U.S. from Mexico. They can also use SENTRI vehicle lanes if the vehicle is registered with and approved by CBP.

Global Entry cards can also be used in NEXUS lanes when entering the U.S. from Canada. They cannot be used in NEXUS lanes when entering Canada.

Global Entry has interview locations throughout the U.S. and offers Enrollment on Arrival. After CBP reviews your application and approves you to move on to the interview, you can complete the interview at a participating airport when returning from an international trip, without making an appointment.

Global Entry cards are also accepted for entry at U.S. land and sea ports.

SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection)

For Frequent U.S.-Mexico Border Crossers

SENTRI pedestrian and vehicle lanes are available at participating U.S.-Mexico land border crossings, making the program best suited for people who regularly enter the U.S. from Mexico. There are no citizenship or age requirements, but applicants must have the documents needed to legally enter the U.S. and be considered low-risk travelers by CBP.

SENTRI membership also includes TSA PreCheck® benefits for U.S. citizens and U.S. lawful permanent residents.

Using SENTRI Vehicle Lanes

To use a SENTRI vehicle lane:

• The vehicle must be registered with and approved by CBP. One vehicle can be registered at no additional cost during the initial application or renewal. Registering another vehicle or adding the first vehicle later costs $42 per vehicle. Members may register up to four vehicles.

• All passengers must be SENTRI, Global Entry, or NEXUS members and carry their applicable Trusted Traveler cards.

SENTRI lanes are used only at participating land border crossings when entering the U.S. from Mexico.

NEXUS

For Frequent U.S.-Canada Travelers

NEXUS is a joint program operated by CBP and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). It provides expedited processing for approved travelers entering the United States and Canada by air, land, and boat.

NEXUS membership is available to U.S. and Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Mexican nationals enrolled in Mexico’s trusted traveler program, Viajero Confiable.

You apply through the same TTP website used for the other programs, but both the U.S. and Canadian governments must approve your application. A denial from either country disqualifies you.

Members can use NEXUS kiosks or eGates at participating Canadian airports and dedicated NEXUS lanes at U.S.-Canada land border crossings.

NEXUS members can use SENTRI lanes when entering the U.S. from Mexico. Vehicles used in SENTRI lanes must meet the registration requirements described above. NEXUS members can also use Global Entry processing when arriving in the U.S. by air.

TSA PreCheck® benefits are available to U.S. citizens, U.S. lawful permanent residents, and Canadian citizens enrolled in NEXUS.

Travelers entering Canada by boat can use the NEXUS reporting procedure by having the boat operator call the CBSA NEXUS Telephone Reporting Centre at 1-866-996-3987 between 30 minutes and four hours before arrival. Everyone on board must be a valid NEXUS member to use this procedure.

When entering the U.S. by boat, eligible travelers can use the free CBP ROAM mobile app, available through Apple App Store or Google Play, to report their arrival. CBP ROAM is not limited to NEXUS or other Trusted Traveler Program members.

FAST (Free and Secure Trade)

For Commercial Truck Drivers

FAST is for approved commercial truck drivers transporting eligible freight between the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Drivers can use dedicated FAST lanes at participating land border crossings, but both the driver and shipment must meet the program’s requirements.

To use a FAST lane when entering the U.S., the driver must be approved for FAST, and the manufacturer, carrier, and importer involved in the shipment must meet the applicable CTPAT (Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism) requirements. FAST lanes provide faster processing, but they do not guarantee a specific wait time.

U.S. citizens and Canadian citizens and lawful permanent residents, and Mexican nationals may apply for FAST. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), and be considered low risk.

FAST is used only by commercial truck drivers at participating land border crossings. It does not include TSA PreCheck® or the benefits offered through Global Entry, SENTRI, or NEXUS. The FAST application fee is $50.

TTP Rules

Program Violations

Trusted Traveler Program members must follow all customs, immigration, and program rules. Violations can lead to suspension or revocation of TTP privileges. This includes failing to declare food, plants, merchandise, or other items when entering the U.S. Even a small undeclared agricultural item can put your membership at risk.

SENTRI Passenger Rules

Everyone in a vehicle using a SENTRI lane must have their own valid Trusted Traveler Program membership and card, including infants and children. If one passenger is not a member, the vehicle must use a regular crossing lane.

Vehicle Updates

Vehicles used in SENTRI lanes must be registered in your TTP account and approved by CBP. If you buy a new vehicle, you must add it to your account and wait for approval before using it in a SENTRI lane. If you receive new license plates, update the plate information in your account to avoid delays at the border.

Interview Tips

Interview appointments at busy enrollment centers may be booked months in advance, but there are options to help you get one sooner:

• Check enrollment centers outside your immediate area. A less-busy location may have earlier appointments.
• After CBP approves a Global Entry applicant to move on to the interview, the applicant can use Enrollment on Arrival at a participating airport when returning from an international trip. No appointment is required.
• AppointmentScanner.com is a paid third-party service that sends alerts when Global Entry interview appointments become available at selected locations. It currently costs $29 for one month of alerts but does not reserve the appointment for you. The service is not affiliated with U.S. Customs and Border Protection or the Department of Homeland Security. Use it at your own discretion.

Which Trusted Traveler Program Is Right for You?

Now that Global Entry, SENTRI, and NEXUS each cost $120 for five years, the best choice depends on where you travel and which programs you qualify for.

For eligible U.S. travelers, Global Entry may offer the broadest range of benefits because it speeds up international airport arrivals, includes TSA PreCheck®, and allows members to use SENTRI lanes when returning from Mexico by land. Vehicles used in SENTRI lanes must be registered with CBP. SENTRI may be the better option for people who frequently cross the U.S.-Mexico border but do not qualify for Global Entry, while NEXUS is designed for frequent travel between the U.S. and Canada. Before applying, confirm that you qualify. The right program is the one that covers the routes you travel most.

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A Trusted Traveler Program can speed up your return trip, but it does nothing to protect your vehicle while driving in Mexico. If you cross frequently, an annual Mexico tourist auto insurance policy lets you make multiple trips throughout the year without purchasing a new policy each time. It may also cost less than several short-term policies, depending on how often you travel. Get a quote from Mexpro to compare annual and short-term coverage before your next trip.

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